Category: Newsletter

The rector, preparing for her sabbatical from August 6 through November 1, writes: “I am so grateful to everyone who is making it possible for me to have this time of ‘listening to what (my) heart would love to say.’ I know it will be a wonderful fall at Ascension; many exciting things are planned, and I will be eager to hear about them when I return.” And among the first events planned is this month’s “Second Wednesday” barbecue on August 9, after the 6 pm service. Bring a side or dessert to share; we’ll provide the meat or vegetarian items to grill in the back garden and then we’ll all eat in the front garden.

In this week’s newsletter, the rector discusses this Sunday’s gospel lesson, in which Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, yeast, a treasure hidden in a field (see the painting above, by either Rembrandt or Gerrit Dou), a “pearl of great value,” and a fishing net, full of its catch: “I love the message that God is at work in ways that we do not control but can trust, collaborate with and be attentive to,” she writes. Also this week: “People Who Lunch,” Wednesday, August 3 at 12:30 pm.

This week, the rector reflects on the upcoming 49^th anniversary of the first ordinations of women as priests in the Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, July 29, 1974, and its meaning for the church today — and for the many women since who have served our parish as priests or have been sponsored by our parish for ordination. Also this week: the Sunday Forum, following the 10 am service, will discuss the formation of a parish “Green Team” to focus our commitment and response to the varying ecological crises that are already here, now.

The rector writes: “As many of you know, last Sunday I preached about Jesus’ invitation to come and rest. It seems to have been timely — several people said, ‘How did you know? You were speaking directly to me!’ The truth is, I was speaking to myself as well. Learning how to rest deeply is vitally important and so difficult in these days.
 
“Accordingly, this Sunday our forum [following the 10 am service] will be about rest, and it will be an opportunity to share our struggles, questions and wisdom with one another. It just seems like a worthwhile conversation!”

This week, the rector reflects on the importance of Sabbath rest for ourselves and the world. Also this week: July’s “second Wednesday” parish BBQ on July 12th!
 
On a more sobering note: a request for prayers after sad news from our brothers and sisters in Martel, Haiti.

For the week of Independence Day celebrations, the rector shares a poem by the first Latina poet laureate of the U.S., Ada Limón (pictured above): “A New National Anthem.” Also note: this week we begin our summer worship schedule (through Labor Day weekend) with Eucharist, hymns and soloists at 10 am Sundays and the service of Meditation & Sacrament at 6 pm. Happy (and safe) Fourth!

This week, we welcome Eric Busby as our guest preacher for Pride Sunday! Eric is a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary concentrating in theology and the arts. An Alabama-born and raised queer artist and theologian, Eric cut their teeth as a rural social worker in a hospice agency before pivoting to a career in art direction and styling in San Francisco. Then following the 11 am service, as we have for over four decades, we will once again serve cold water (with a twist of lemon!) to Pride marchers as they pass the church on Fifth Avenue. Happy Pride!

Juneteenth is the holiday that commemorates the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Since its first anniversary, it has involved church-centered community gatherings. In honor of the 158th anniversary of this important milestone in our country, and the second year its commemoration is a federal holiday, our rector shares reflections and possibilities for action from the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

The rector writes: “Perhaps one result of this week’s toxic smoke is that it helps us understand in our own bodies what it means to live in a heating climate — and what is happening already to other bodies who cannot avoid the effects of burning, be it wildfires or fossil fuels. The air knows no borders, and once again we are reminded of our interdependence, both with our neighbors across the planet and with our planet herself. Our actions can make a real difference to the quality of life for all of us, and those who come after us.”

For Trinity Sunday, the rector shares a prayer from the Iona Community in Scotland: